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‘Smart’ lock opens your door with your phone

LEAVE YOUR KEYS AT HOME: Kwikset has developed a new app that allows you to unlock your door. Photo: clipart.com

LAKE FOREST, Calif. (AP) — It’s one of the cool things people expect from their smartphones — the ability to open and lock their doors without using a key. And it’s a promise made good with the Kwikset Kevo Smart Lock.

It’s a lock that opens and closes using Bluetooth technology. Once you install the deadbolt lock and download the app, you can leave your keys behind — because you control access using your phone. Simply tap on the lighted ring of the lock and the door opens itself.

The installation is pretty simple — even for one who isn’t particularly handy; it’s no more difficult than installing a typical deadbolt.

It even allows you to easily re-key the lock to work with your existing Kwikset keys, so you don’t have to ditch your old one.

Speaking of keys, the Kevo lets you send electronic “keys” to family, friends — or even service people. The app tells you when anyone has used the key to get in or out of the house.

And if you have no smartphone — no worries. The Kevo comes with a fob that can provide the same easy in and out functions the app does. The app currently is available only for iPhone 4s, 5, 5c and 5s as well as the third generation iPad and fifth gen iPod touch — but an Android version is coming soon.

The Kevo deadbolt retails for $219 at a number of retailers nationwide.